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Effects of domestic abuse on children
Children and young people can be affected by domestic abuse in many ways including:
- Anxiety, difficulty sleeping and nightmares
- Bed wetting
- Physical symptoms such as tummy ache and headaches
- Temper tantrums and aggression
- Depression and withdrawal
- Problems at school
There are many things you can do to support your children and most find ways to recover from what’s happened. Just because your child sees you being abused does not mean that they will grow up to abuse others.
What you can do for your children:
- Ask for help
- Encourage your children to talk to you about what they are feeling. Talking to your children about the abuse can be hard for you so make sure you have someone you can speak to as well
- Listen to what your children say to you
- Reassure them that they are not to blame and explain that abuse is wrong
- Be aware that children may start to tell you things and express their feelings once they feel safe, this can be upsetting for you and for them
- Encourage your children to be children – many children want to look after their mums but it’s your job to look after them
- Tell your children about places they can get more information such as The Hideout at www.thehideout.org.uk, Childline 0800 1111 and the services listed in section 12.
- Speak to your child’s school/nursery so that they are aware of what is happening at home and can support your child
- Speak to your health visitor or any other health professionals involved with your child
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